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SSB 1044

A bill for an act relating to the combined gross weight limit for vehicles operating under a fluid milk products annual permit, and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SSB 1044 raises the weight limit for vehicles transporting fluid milk products from 96,000 to 130,000 pounds, boosting efficiency for dairy farmers and transporters.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 258.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1044

Summary of SSB 1044 - Fluid Milk Products Annual Permit Weight Limit

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SSB 1044
Title: A bill for an act relating to the combined gross weight limit for vehicles operating under a fluid milk products annual permit, and including applicability provisions.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 258.
Introduced: January 27, 2025
Classification: Proposed bill
Subject: Agricultural products, common carriers, dairying, transportation department, vehicles, weight and measurement, weights

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SSB 1044 is to amend the existing regulations governing the weight limits for vehicles transporting fluid milk products. The bill aims to facilitate the transportation of these products by allowing vehicles to operate under an annual permit with a higher gross weight limit than currently permitted.

Key Provisions

  • Weight Limit Increase:

    • The bill allows the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue annual permits for vehicles transporting fluid milk products that exceed the current gross weight limit of 96,000 pounds.
    • The new maximum gross weight limit under this bill would be 130,000 pounds.

  • Permitting Process:

    • The DOT will continue to issue permits for vehicles transporting fluid milk products to or from milk plants, receiving stations, or transfer stations.
    • The bill maintains the existing axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds per axle as stipulated in Code section 321.463.

  • Applicability:

    • The provisions of this bill apply to fluid milk products annual permits issued on or after the effective date of the bill.
    • It also applies to permits issued prior to the effective date that are still in effect.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The bill primarily impacts dairy farmers, milk transport companies, and the broader agricultural sector involved in the production and distribution of fluid milk products.
    • It may also affect local municipalities and road maintenance departments due to the increased weight limits on primary roads and extensions.

  • Economic Considerations:

    • The annual permit fee for transporting fluid milk products remains at $400.
    • By allowing heavier loads, the bill could potentially reduce transportation costs and improve efficiency for dairy operations.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 27, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Transportation Committee.
  • February 3, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held.
  • February 5, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage.
  • February 10, 2025: Committee report approving the bill; renumbered as SF 258.

Conclusion

SSB 1044 represents a significant change in the regulatory framework for transporting fluid milk products in Iowa. By increasing the allowable gross weight for vehicles under annual permits, the bill aims to enhance operational efficiency for the dairy industry while maintaining safety standards through existing axle weight limits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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